In the Cold War era, as a NATO country protecting the southeast wing of Europe, Turkey was living in a state of false security. Now it is in the middle of a state of conflict. Even though not desired, this state of affairs is normal because we are going through a general process involving the whole world, and with that, of course, Turkey will have its share of problems.
At a time when social structures are experiencing a process of decomposition that sometimes people believe is natural, and sometimes it is natural indeed, a question concerning everyone emerges: How can we live together while preserving diversity? In fact, this question can be rephrased as: How can we coexist?
In addition to governments, scholars and groups of people with varying levels of integration in society hold different views on this matter. All have raised their concerns on this general situation and have offered a solution if they have any. Of course, their points of view are useful, but there is one reality outside of these individuals and the organized groups I referred to: The vast majority of the people in Turkey have found their own solution and reached a consensus. We may call this vast majority who, unlike the intellectuals and elites, are not pessimistic and as undecided the influential body that controls the state. Without the reason of the influential individuals and the adhesive that keeps all citizens integrated and united in Turkey, we would have already found ourselves in the middle of a civil war.
If we do make a careful observation, we will see that the influential body of the county has made a deal regarding Islam. Undoubtedly, the people of this country were Muslim in the past, just like they are Muslim now. However, they have experienced turmoil for 150 years; now, after this long and notorious intermittence, they concretely feel the need to return to their roots and original points of reference. The political elites of Ankara, the scholars in the universities who are unaware of the realities of the country and the nihilist, agnostic bohemians of the media circles are not adequately aware of this new existentialism and its emergence. It is not that they do not understand this new state of affairs, but rather that they do not perceive that a new state of affairs has emerged.
As in other parts of the Muslim world, Turkey has stepped to the edge of a new state of resurrection. It is not possible to consider the fate of Turkey as separate from the other parts of the Muslim world. Turkey is a part of this great region. The whole country is resurrecting. It will not be a redundant analogy to compare this situation to the emergence after the collapse of the Seljuk dynasty. Back then, Anatolia, which displayed signs of full collapse, embraced Islam more strongly than in the past and re-emerged through a move of resurrection and spiritual revival. We all know that thanks to this resurrection and revival, the Ottoman state emerged strong.
We now feel relieved and joyful by the possibility that history may be repeating itself. Tunisia and Egypt are about to become successful in joining this process without experiencing great pains. In the aftermath of the Crusades and Mongolian attacks, Islam has served as the main source of unification and integration in these lands, and Islam has protected the people from falling hostage to others.
Today the universal homogenous structures are being dissolved; the Muslim world and Turkey are experiencing a process of turmoil and upheaval. Islam, which had been diverted, is trying to be channeled back into its own watercourse, rediscovering its vitality in the process.
This is a new day indeed; and we need to be prepared for this new day in light of past experiences.
